She was a 22 year old young lady from Kenya, who was keen to come to Goa for a job because she was told that there were a lot of job opportunities in this tourist state.
She was also told that the jobs available were for computer operators, in a beauty parlour, hotel, restaurant, etc of the hospitality industry. The agency she had contacted had told her that they will prepare all the papers necessary for her passport and visa into Goa. She didn't bother to check if the visa was a tourist or work visa.
The contact person was also from her country as well as other girls who she met later. Right from the moment she landed in Goa, the local representative of agent took her passport etc on the pretext of doing some paperwork for her job and she apparently didn't get it back. From there on to the hotel and days after that began a horrific journey of pressure tactics, manipulation, black magic, luring, violence and exploitation to sell her body for sex.
She succumbed to the pressures; she said she had no choice. With no ID in hand and no money, she became a victim of sex trafficking.
She is not alone. There are many others from other African countries and closer home, from the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Nepal. Young girls and women come to Goa with the hope of securing a job as domestic help in the Middle East as Goa is the point of exit to enter some of these countries.
They are then pressured, lured, tricked and pushed into the dark alleys of sex trade. Many are also underage. But all promised jobs that are either glamorous or high paying. The story of 18 year old Nepali girl is no different. She was told that her job was just to model. She had to dress provocatively and look hot!
The more skimpily clad, the higher was the price. After that she was informed that she would have to catwalk for a small group of men. Then it progressed to dancing in front of a few men. Then she was asked to allow them to touch only her, only specific parts. Each part had a price. Price of some parts was very high.
The luring became too tempting. It seemed ok. Then it progressed to sex. Sell your body or no money. No money was unthinkable because now she could afford expensive clothes, shoes, accessories, makeup and perfumes. She opted to sink deeper into the sex charade.
There are also teenagers and young college girls from Goa who are lured into easy jobs, big money, to travel to other States and other countries in the same manner.
At a well-attended consultation meet organised by ARZ Goa held in the city this week on combating Sex Trafficking and support to victims, many representatives - both international and local - shared shocking facts, challenges and measures to help victims of human trafficking.
The lack of awareness was evident. Did you know that a work visa is necessary when seeking a job in another country? Did you know that the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) / Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) maintains records and one must register giving all details if a foreigner?
Once in the net of pimps and agents of the sex trade, it is not easy to escape because of the exploitative manner in which the manipulation and luring of the victim unfolds.
Charimaya from Nepal, a victim/survivor founded the Shakti Samuha NGO to help support victims of sex trafficking. Once a victim is rescued, the processes of rehabilitation and repatriation are very long and difficult. The paperwork is extensive and rife with red tapism. Sometimes the coordination between departments is very poor. The lack of a local NGO in most states and countries who can effectively communicate between the parties is also a big setback.
While ARZ Goa has been doing phenomenal work with rescuing, supporting victims of sex trafficking there is a lot more that we as a community need to do as our social responsibility and humanity.
Awareness is key.
There is a significant rise in substance abuse, alcoholism, gambling, sale of sex and crime in the state of Goa. More teens are being lured into addictions and the numbers in sex trade are not known. While we are seeing this all around us, we are not vigilant enough.
Are we discussing these issues in our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, colleges and communities? Are we privy to what young teenage girls are sharing on their social media profiles? What are the laws in place? What are the violations committed? How does one seek justice? What are the agencies in place to protect and help? Are we willing to lend support to those who are being lured or seek help and are afraid to reach out?
Are we willing to give our time to the victims, who need the care and support of from us like a family? Are we willing to give our support to NGOs that are working in this space? Are we willing to become bridges of justice and freedom to these victims? Are we willing to volunteer our time, are we willing to allow young students and young adults to volunteer their time to interact, empathise and support the victims of sex trade and human trafficking?
We cannot afford to say why should I be bothered, Mhaka kiteak podlam because the perpetrators and promoters of sex trade and trafficking are already in our neighbourhoods.
(Tallulah D’Silva is an architect and silver
awardee of the Golden Door Award 2020 for Truth and Integrity)